Telecommunications chassis

ABSTRACT

A fiber optic system includes a telecommunications chassis defining a front and a rear, a plurality of blades slidably mounted to the chassis, the blades slidable in a direction extending from the front to the rear, and a plurality of fiber optic cassettes removably mounted to each blade. Each fiber optic cassette includes a housing defining a maximum cassette height, the housing formed by a base and a cover mounted thereon. Each cassette defines fiber optic connection locations. The base of each cassette defines a notched area for receiving a portion of the blade on which the cassette is mounted such that the blade does not increase the overall maximum height defined by the housing.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related to U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 61/960,662, filed on Sep. 23, 2013; 61/942,805, filed on Feb. 21,2014; and 61/982,406, filed on Apr. 22, 2014, which applications areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

As demand for telecommunications increases, fiber optic networks arebeing extended in more and more areas. Management of the cables, ease ofinstallation, and case of accessibility for later management areimportant concerns. As a result, there is a need for fiber optic deviceswhich address these and other concerns.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the present disclosure relates to fiber optic devices inthe form of fiber optic cassettes and chassis for housing suchcassettes, wherein the cassettes include at least one connector thatprovides a signal entry location and at least one connector thatprovides a signal exit location and a flexible fiber optical circuitthereinbetween for relaying the signal from the entry location to theexit location. The fiber optic cassettes may be mounted to “pull-out”blades or trays located on the chassis that provide access to the signalentry location or the signal exit location on each fiber optic cassette.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a telecommunicationssystem including a telecommunications chassis, a plurality of blades ortrays slidably mounted to the chassis, wherein each blade is configuredto hold a plurality of fiber optic cassettes. Each fiber optic cassettemounted on the blade includes a body defining a front and an oppositerear. A cable entry location is defined on the body for a cable to enterthe cassette, wherein a plurality of optical fibers from the cableextend into the cassette and form terminations at non-conventionalconnectors adjacent the front of the body. A flexible substrate ispositioned between the cable entry location and the non-conventionalconnectors adjacent the front of the body, the flexible substraterigidly supporting the plurality of optical fibers. Each of thenon-conventional connectors adjacent the front of the body includes aferrule, a ferrule hub supporting the ferrule, and a split sleevesurrounding the ferrule.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, thetelecommunications system includes a telecommunications chassis defininga front and a rear, a plurality of blades slidably mounted to thechassis, the blades slidable in a direction extending from the front tothe rear, and a plurality of fiber optic cassettes removably mounted toeach blade. Each fiber optic cassette includes a housing defining amaximum cassette height, the housing formed by a base and a covermounted thereon. Each cassette defines fiber optic connection locations.The base of each cassette defines a notched area for receiving a portionof the blade on which the cassette is mounted such that the blade doesnot increase the overall height defined by the housing. In certainembodiments, the blade lies flush with the housing of the cassette so asto not increase the overall height defined by the housing.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, thetelecommunications system includes a telecommunications rack defining astandard 19-inch width, a telecommunications chassis mounted to thetelecommunications rack, the telecommunications chassis defining aheight of at least one standard unit of rack space (1 RU), and aplurality of fiber optic cassettes slidably mounted to the chassis, eachcassette including a housing defining a front side and a rear side, aplurality of fiber optic connection locations defined by adapter portshaving a standard LC connector format positioned on the front side ofthe housing and a cable entry location defined on the housing for acable to enter the cassette for providing an optical signal leading tothe adapter ports at the front side of the housing. When the fiber opticcassettes are mounted within the 19-inch rack via the chassis, the fiberoptic cassettes provide 240 adapter ports having a standard LC connectorformat within a 1 RU of rack space within the 19-inch rack.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, thetelecommunications system includes a telecommunications chassis defininga front and a rear, a plurality of blades slidably mounted to thechassis, the blades stacked vertically and slidable in a directionextending from the front to the rear, and at least one fiber opticcassette removably mounted to each blade, wherein a portion of a firstfiber optic cassette mounted on a first blade abuts a portion of asecond fiber optic cassette mounted on a second blade positioneddirectly above the first blade.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a flexibleoptical circuit includes a flexible substrate and a plurality of opticalfibers physically supported by the flexible substrate, wherein a firstend of each of the optical fibers is terminated to a multi-fiberconnector that is coupled to the flexible substrate and a second end ofeach of the optical fibers is terminated to a non-conventional fiberoptic connector that is coupled to the flexible substrate, thenon-conventional fiber optic connector including a ferrule and a ferrulehub that supports the ferrule, wherein the flexible optical circuit ishoused in a fiber optic cassette that is removably mounted to atelecommunications chassis with a snap-fit connection. According toanother aspect, the fiber optic cassette is mounted to thetelecommunications chassis via a blade that slides with respect to thechassis to provide access to the multi-fiber connector or thenon-conventional fiber optic connector.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a fiber opticcassette includes a housing defining a front side, an opposite rearside, a top, a bottom, and a maximum cassette height defined between thetop and the bottom, a cable entry location defined on the housing for acable to enter the cassette, wherein a plurality of optical fibers fromthe cable extend into the cassette and form terminations atnon-conventional connectors adjacent the front side of the housing, aflexible substrate positioned between the cable entry location and thenon-conventional connectors adjacent the front of the housing, theflexible substrate rigidly supporting the plurality of optical fibers, anotched area defined by the bottom for receiving a portion of atelecommunications fixture when the cassette is mounted to the fixture,and a flexible tab protruding from the cassette, the flexible tabconfigured to removably mount the cassette to the telecommunicationsfixture with a snap-fit interlock, the flexible tab positioned withinthe notched area so as to lie within the maximum cassette height definedbetween the top and the bottom of the cassette.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, atelecommunications blade for mounting optical equipment to atelecommunications chassis includes a generally thin-profile, planarbody defining front end, a rear end, a right side, and a left side,slide portions defined at each of the right and left sides for slidablymounting the blade to the telecommunications chassis, and a plurality offirst mounting locations for mounting optical equipment to the blade anda plurality of second mounting locations positioned between the firstmounting locations for mounting cable management structures to theblade. The blade is configured such that when receiving opticalequipment for mounting, the generally thin-profile body is configured tofit within a portion of the optical equipment such that the blade bodydoes not add to the maximum overall height of the optical equipment.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a fiber optictelecommunications system includes a telecommunications chassis defininga right side and a left side and a plurality of mounting slots at eachof the right and left sides. At least one telecommunications blade isslidably mounted to the chassis, the telecommunications blade configuredfor mounting optical equipment to the chassis, the telecommunicationsblade further comprising a generally thin-profile, planar body definingfront end, a rear end, a right side, and a left side, slide portionsdefined at each of the right and left sides for insertion into mountingslots of the chassis for mounting the blade to the chassis, and aplurality of first mounting locations for mounting optical equipment tothe blade and a plurality of second mounting locations positionedbetween the first mounting locations for mounting cable managementstructures to the blade. The blade is configured such that whenreceiving optical equipment for mounting, the generally thin-profilebody is configured to fit within a portion of the optical equipment suchthat the blade body does not add to the maximum overall height of theoptical equipment.

According to another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a cablemanager for mounting to a telecommunications fixture, the cable managercomprising a bracket, a plurality of independently slidable traysremovably mounted to the bracket, the trays configured to be fixed withrespect to the bracket with snap-fit interlocking latches, and opposingelastically flexible cable retention fingers within each tray forretaining cables therewithin.

A variety of additional inventive aspects will be set forth in thedescription that follows. The inventive aspects can relate to individualfeatures and combinations of features. It is to be understood that boththe foregoing general description and the following detailed descriptionare exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broadinventive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein arebased.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top, front, right side perspective view of a fiber optictelecommunications system having features that are examples of inventiveaspects in accordance with the present disclosure, the system includinga telecommunications chassis mounted on a telecommunications rack, atleast one blade slidably mounted on the telecommunications chassis, andat least one fiber optic cassette removably mounted on the blade;

FIG. 2 is a top, front, left side perspective view of thetelecommunications system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top, rear, right side perspective view of thetelecommunications system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a bottom, rear, left side perspective view of thetelecommunications system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the telecommunications system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a right side view of the telecommunications system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a left side view of the telecommunications system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of the telecommunications system ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a rear elevational view of the telecommunications system ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a bottom, rear, left side perspective view of thetelecommunications system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view of the telecommunications system of FIG.1;

FIG. 12 is a top, rear, left side perspective view of one of theslidable blades that are configured to be mounted on thetelecommunications system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a top, front, right side perspective view of the blade ofFIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the blade of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a bottom plan view of the blade of FIG. 12;

FIG. 16 is a front elevational view of the blade of FIG. 12;

FIG. 17 is a rear elevational view of the blade of FIG. 12;

FIG. 18 is a right side view of the blade of FIG. 12;

FIG. 19 is a left side view of the blade of FIG. 12;

FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of one of the fiber opticcassettes that are configured to be mounted on the blades of the chassisof the telecommunications system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 21 is a top, front, right side perspective view of a base of thefiber optic cassette of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a top, rear, right side perspective view of the base of FIG.21;

FIG. 23 is a top plan view of the base of FIG. 21;

FIG. 24 is a bottom plan view of the base of FIG. 21;

FIG. 25 is a front elevational view of the base of FIG. 21;

FIG. 26 is a rear elevational view of the base of FIG. 21;

FIG. 27 is a right side view of the base of FIG. 21;

FIG. 28 is a left side view of the base of FIG. 21;

FIG. 29 is a top, front, right side perspective view of a cover of thefiber optic cassette of FIG. 20;

FIG. 30 is a bottom, front, right side perspective view of the cover ofFIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is a bottom, rear, left side perspective view of the cover ofFIG. 29;

FIG. 32 is a top plan view of the cover of FIG. 29;

FIG. 33 is a bottom plan view of the cover of FIG. 29;

FIG. 34 is a front elevational view of the cover of FIG. 29;

FIG. 35 is a rear elevational view of the cover of FIG. 29;

FIG. 36 is a right side view of the cover of FIG. 29;

FIG. 37 is a left side view of the cover of FIG. 29;

FIG. 38 is a top, front, right side perspective view of an adapter blockof the fiber optic cassette of FIG. 20;

FIG. 39 is a bottom, front, right side perspective view of the adapterblock of FIG. 38;

FIG. 40 is a front elevational view of the adapter block of FIG. 38;

FIG. 41 is a rear elevational view of the adapter block of FIG. 38;

FIG. 42 is a top plan view of the adapter block of FIG. 38;

FIG. 43 is a bottom plan view of the adapter block of FIG. 38;

FIG. 44 is a right side view of the adapter block of FIG. 38;

FIG. 45 is a left side view of the adapter block of FIG. 38;

FIG. 46 illustrates the mounting of the fiber optic cassette of FIG. 20onto one of the chassis blades shown in FIGS. 12-19, wherein the bladesare shown in isolation removed from the chassis of the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 47 is another rear elevational view of the telecommunicationssystem of FIG. 1;

FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 48-48 of FIG. 47;

FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 49-49 of FIG. 47;

FIG. 50 illustrates a top plan view of a portion of a blade and a fiberoptic cassette mounted thereon;

FIG. 51 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 51-51 of FIG. 50;

FIG. 51A is a close-up view of a portion of the blade and the fiberoptic cassette mounted thereon of FIG. 51;

FIG. 52 is another version of a telecommunications chassis havingfeatures that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with thepresent disclosure, the telecommunications chassis configured to bemounted on a telecommunications rack as in the system of FIG. 1, thechassis also including at least one blade slidably mounted on thetelecommunications chassis, and at least one fiber optic cassetteremovably mounted on the blade, the chassis further including a fiberbreakout module mounted at one of the sides of the chassis and aflexible cable manager for guiding cables between the fiber breakoutmodule and the fiber optic cassettes mounted on the chassis;

FIG. 53 is an exploded view of an example fiber optic distributionarrangement for mounting on the chassis of FIG. 52, the arrangementincluding a slidable blade and a plurality of fiber optic cassettes andan MPO adapter block configured for mounting on the slidable blade toconvert the chassis of FIG. 52 into a front-access chassis;

FIG. 54 shows a partially assembled view of the arrangement of FIG. 53;

FIG. 55 is a fully exploded view of an example of a single-level fiberoptic cassette that may be used with a telecommunications chassissimilar to that shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 52;

FIG. 56 illustrates the cassette of FIG. 55 in a partially assembledconfiguration;

FIG. 57 illustrates another fiber optic cassette having a dual-levelconfiguration that may be used with a telecommunications chassis similarto that shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 52;

FIG. 58 is a partially exploded front perspective view of the cassetteof FIG. 57;

FIG. 58A is a close-up view of a rear portion of the cassette of FIG.58;

FIG. 58B is a close-up view of a front portion of the cassette of FIG.58;

FIG. 59 is a partially exploded rear perspective view of the cassette ofFIG. 57;

FIG. 59A is a close-up view illustrating the MPO connector located atthe rear of the cassette of FIG. 59;

FIG. 60 illustrates a front, top, right side perspective view of anotherfiber optic cassette that may be used with a telecommunications chassissimilar to that shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 52, the cassette including MPOformat connections at both the rear end and the front end of thecassette;

FIG. 61 is a front, top, left side perspective view of the fiber opticcassette of FIG. 60;

FIG. 62 illustrates a front exploded view of the cassette of FIG. 60;

FIG. 62A is a close-up view of a front portion of the cassette of FIG.62;

FIG. 63 illustrates a rear exploded view of the cassette of FIG. 60;

FIG. 63A is a close-up view of a rear portion of the cassette of FIG.63;

FIG. 64 is an MPO style adapter block that may be used on fiber opticcassette similar to that shown in FIG. 60;

FIG. 64A is a close-up view of a portion of the adapter block of FIG.64;

FIG. 65 illustrates the adapter block of FIG. 64 in a partially explodedconfiguration;

FIG. 65A is a close-up view of a portion of the adapter block of FIG.65;

FIG. 66 illustrates another embodiment of a telecommunications chassishaving features similar to the telecommunications chassis of FIG. 1 andthe telecommunications chassis of FIG. 52, the telecommunicationschassis shown from a rear perspective view to illustrate a cablebreakout manager having features that are examples of inventive aspectsin accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 67 is a top view of the telecommunications chassis of FIG. 66;

FIG. 68 is a rear view of the telecommunications chassis of FIG. 66;

FIG. 69 is a right side view of the telecommunications chassis of FIG.66;

FIG. 70 illustrates the telecommunications chassis of FIG. 66 with anumber of the trays of the cable breakout manager exploded off themanager;

FIG. 71 illustrates the telecommunications chassis of FIG. 70 from arear, right side, top perspective view;

FIG. 72 illustrates the telecommunications chassis of FIG. 66 with thecable breakout managers mounted in another orientation, wherein eachcable breakout manager is mounted for receiving incoming cables from arear of the chassis;

FIG. 73 is a top view of the telecommunications chassis of FIG. 72;

FIG. 74 is a rear view of the telecommunications chassis of FIG. 72;

FIG. 75 is a right side view of the telecommunications chassis of FIG.72;

FIG. 76 illustrates the cable breakout manager of FIGS. 66-75 inisolation removed from the chassis;

FIG. 77 shows the cable breakout manager of FIG. 76 with the traysthereof partially removed from the housing of the manager;

FIG. 78 shows the cable manager of FIG. 76 with one of the trays fullyremoved from the housing of the manager;

FIG. 79 is a front view of the cable breakout manager of FIG. 76;

FIG. 80 is a top view of the cable breakout manager of FIG. 76;

FIG. 81 is a side view of the cable breakout manager of FIG. 76;

FIG. 82 illustrates the cable breakout manager of FIGS. 76-81 with thebreakouts/transition devices removed from the manager;

FIG. 83 is a perspective view of the bracket/housing of the cablebreakout manager shown in isolation with all of the trays removedtherefrom;

FIG. 84 is a side view of the bracket/housing of FIG. 83;

FIG. 85 is a front view of the bracket/housing of FIG. 83;

FIG. 86 is a bottom view of the bracket/housing of FIG. 83;

FIG. 87 is a perspective view of one of the trays of the cable breakoutmanager shown in isolation, removed from the bracket/housing of themanager;

FIG. 88 is an end view of the tray of FIG. 87;

FIG. 89 is a side view of the tray of FIG. 87;

FIG. 90 is a top view of the tray of FIG. 87;

FIG. 91 shows the cable breakout manager exploded from the chassis ofFIGS. 66-75, illustrating the mounting of the cable breakout manager toa rear portion of the chassis;

FIG. 92 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a tray that canbe used on a cable breakout manager similar to the manager of FIGS.76-81;

FIG. 93 illustrates another embodiment of a slidable blade that isconfigured to be mounted on a telecommunications chassis such as thechassis of FIG. 1, the chassis of FIG. 52, or the chassis of FIG. 66,the slidable blade having features that are examples of inventiveaspects in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 94 illustrates a partial view of a telecommunications chassis thatis shown with a plurality of blades similar to the blade of FIG. 93, theblades shown with fiber optic cassettes including LC type adapteropenings instead of the staggered LC type fiber optic adapter blocks ofthe blade of FIG. 93;

FIG. 95 is a front perspective view of one of the cable managers used onthe slidable blades shown in FIGS. 93-94, the cable manager havingfeatures that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 96 is a right side perspective view of a cable manager that isconfigured to be used at the outer edges of the slidable blades shown inFIGS. 93-94;

FIG. 97 is a left perspective view of the cable manager of FIG. 96;

FIG. 98 illustrates a cable manager having features that are examples ofinventive aspects in accordance with the present disclosure, the cablemanager shown mounted to a chassis similar to the chassis shown in FIGS.1-97 and illustrated in a closed configuration; and

FIG. 99 illustrates the cable manager of FIG. 98 in an openconfiguration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is directed generally to fiber optic devices inthe form of fiber optic cassettes and telecommunications chassisconfigured to house such fiber optic cassettes. As will be described infurther detail below, the different embodiments of the fiber opticcassettes of the present disclosure are designed to relay multiplefibers which terminate at a rear connector, such as an MPO styleconnector, to a plurality of ferrules positioned at a generally frontportion of the cassette. The fiber optic cassettes of the presentdisclosure, thus, provide a transition housing or support betweenmulti-fibered connectors, such as the MPO style connectors having MTferrules, and single or dual fiber connectors, such as LC or SC typeconnectors.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-11, a fiber optic telecommunications system 10having features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordancewith the present disclosure is illustrated. The system 10 includes atelecommunications rack or frame 12 and a telecommunications chassis orpanel 14 mounted to the rack 12. In the depicted embodiment, thetelecommunications rack 12 is a standard 19-inch rack and the depictedchassis 14 is sized to fit the 19-inch width of the rack.

According to the depicted embodiment, the chassis 14 is defined by aright wall 16 and a left wall 18. The right and left walls 16, 18 eachinclude a front portion 20 and a rear portion 22 that are configured totelescopically slide with respect to each other to adjust the depth ofthe chassis 14. Both the right and left walls 16, 18 define mountingflanges 24 at both a front 26 and a rear 28 of the chassis 14 formounting the chassis 14 to the telecommunications rack 12.

Adjacent the front 26 of the chassis 14, a top plate 327 extends acrossthe rack 12 from the right wall 16 to the left wall 18. The top plate 29is configured to provide protection to fiber optic devices housed withinthe chassis 14.

In the depicted embodiment of the system, a pair of cable rings 30 areattached at the front 32 of the telecommunications rack 12 at each ofthe right and left side 34, 36 thereof. The cable rings 30 areconfigured to manage cables leading to or away from the optical deviceshoused within the chassis 14.

A front door 38 extends across the rack 12 between the cable rings 30that are at the right and left sides 34, 36 of the rack 12. The door 38provides access to the connection locations defined by the opticaldevices within the chassis 14.

Still referring to FIGS. 1-11, in the depicted embodiment, the chassis14 is configured to have a height of two standard rack units (2 RU).Other heights are possible for the chassis 14. Within the 2 RU height,the chassis 14 is configured to house eight blades or trays 40 that aremounted in a stacked arrangement within the chassis 14. One of theblades 40 is shown in isolation in FIGS. 12-19. As shown, each blade 40defines a generally planar configuration with slide portions 42 definedat each of the right and left sides 44, 46 of the blade 40. Each of theright and left slide portions 42 defines a front notch 48 and a rearnotch 50. Each blade also defines a plurality of rear extensions 540with upwardly extending portions 541, the purposes of which will bedescribed in further detail below.

Referring now specifically to FIGS. 3, 4, and 10, at each of the rightand left walls 16, 18, the chassis 14 defines mounting slots 52 forreceiving the slide portions 42 of the chassis 14. Within each slot 52at the right wall 16 and the left wall 18, a retainer spring 54 isprovided. The retainer spring 54 can be seen in further detail in FIGS.48 and 49. The retainer springs 54 are configured to provide positivestops for the blades 40 as the blades 40 slide within the chassis 14.The retainer spring 54 defines a front tab 56 and a rear tab 58. Whenthe blade 40 is at a neutral or home position within the chassis 14, thefront and rear tabs 56, 58 are positioned within the front and rearnotches 48, 50, respectively, of the slide portions 42 of the blade 40.When the blade 40 is slid forwardly, the retainer spring 54 flexes untilthe front tab 56 of the retainer spring 54 moves into the rear notch 50of the blade 40 to provide a stop at the forward position of the blade40. When the blade 40 is slid rearwardly, the retainer spring 54 flexesuntil the rear tab 58 of the retainer spring 54 moves into the frontnotch 48 of the blade 40 to provide a stop at the rearward position ofthe blade 40. The tabs 56, 58 of the retainer spring 54 are configuredwith a curved profile 59. The curved profile 59 facilitates flexing ofthe springs 54 when a force strong enough is applied in the forward orrearward direction to move the tabs 56, 58 out of the notches 48, 50.

Still referring to FIGS. 1-11, in the depicted telecommunications system10, the blades 40 of the chassis 14 are shown to include devices in theform of fiber optic cassettes 60 with cable management devices 61located between each of the cassettes 60. In the depicted embodiment,each blade 40 is configured to hold five fiber optic cassettes 60 alonga row within the 19-inch standard rack spacing. One example of acassette 60 that is configured for mounting on the chassis is shown inFIG. 20 in isolation, further details of which will be described below.The depicted cassette 60 is configured to provide twelve connectionlocations 62 defined by standard LC format adapters 64 at the front 66of the cassette 60 as will be discussed in further detail below. Withfive cassettes 60 located on each blade 40 and with eight blades 40located on each chassis 14, the chassis 14 can accommodate 480 standardLC format connections within a 2 RU rack spacing. A similar 1 RU chassiscan, thus, accommodate 240 standard LC format connections within that 1RU spacing.

The cable managers 61 located between each fiber optic cassette 60 helppreserve the high density provided by the system 10. As depicted, eachcable manager 61 defines wider portions 68 at the front 70 and rear ends72 thereof that transition to a middle section 74 having a thinnerprofile 76. The wider portions 68 define split-ring configurations 78for receiving and retaining cables extending to and from the cassettes60. The split-ring configurations 78 at the rear ends 72 thereof areformed at least partially by the upwardly extending portions 541 of therear extensions 540 of the blades 40. The thinner profile sections 74are positioned between the cassettes 60 when the cable managers 61 aremounted to the blades 40 to preserve the overall density within the19-inch rack 12.

Now referring to FIGS. 20-45, the parts that make up the housing 80 of acassette 60 are shown. The cassette housing 80 is defined by a base 82(shown in FIGS. 21-28), a cover 84 (shown in FIGS. 29-37), and anadapter block 86 (shown in FIGS. 38-45) configured for mounting to afront end 88 of the base 82 and captured thereagainst by the cover 84.

Within an interior 90 defined by the cassette housing 80, the cassette60 is configured to utilize a flexible optical circuit for transition offibers between a multi-fibered connector positioned at one end of thecassette 60 and individual connectors positioned at the opposite end ofthe cassette 60. Even though not illustrated specifically in thecassette 60 shown in FIGS. 20-45, such a flexible optical circuit 192 isshown in a similar version of the cassette 160 illustrated in FIGS.55-56.

Flexible optical circuits 192 are passive optical components thatcomprise one or more (typically, multiple) optical fibers embedded on aflexible substrate, such as a Mylar™ material or other flexible polymersubstrate. Commonly, although not necessarily, one end-face of eachfiber is disposed adjacent one longitudinal end of the flexible opticalcircuit substrate and the other end face of each fiber is disposedadjacent the opposite longitudinal end of the flexible optical circuitsubstrate. The fibers extend past the longitudinal ends of the flexibleoptical circuit (commonly referred to as pigtails) so that they can beterminated to optical connectors, which can be coupled to fiber opticcables or other fiber optic components through mating opticalconnectors.

Flexible optical circuits 192 essentially comprise one or more fiberssandwiched between two flexible sheets of material, such as Mylar™material or another polymer. An epoxy may be included between the twosheets in order to adhere them together. Alternately, depending on thesheet material and other factors, the two sheets may be heated abovetheir melting point to heat-weld them together with the fibers embeddedbetween the two sheets.

The use of flexible optical circuits 192 within the fiber opticcassettes 60, 160 of the present disclosure provides a number ofadvantages. For example, the substrate of a flexible optical circuit 192is mechanically flexible, being able to accommodate tolerance variationsin different cassettes, such as between connector ferrules and thehousings that form the cassettes. The flexibility of the opticalcircuits 192 also allow for axial movement in the fibers to account forferrule interface variation. Also, by providing a supportive (rigid incertain embodiments) substrate within which the fibers are positionallyfixed, use of flexible optical circuits allows a designer to optimizethe fiber bend radius limits and requirements in configuring thecassettes, thus, achieving reduced dimensions of the cassettes. The bendradius of the fibers can thus be controlled to a minimum diameter. Byutilizing optical fibers such as bend insensitive fibers (e.g., 8 mmbend radius) in combination with a flexible substrate that fixes thefibers in a given orientation, allowing for controlled bending, smallform cassettes may be produced in a predictable and automated manner.Manual handling and positioning of the fibers within the cassettes maybe reduced and eliminated through the use of flexible optical circuits.

According to one example embodiment, in the fiber optic cassette, theflexible optical circuit 192 is configured to transition optical fibersbetween an MPO type multi-fiber connector at the rear of the cassettehousing and a plurality of non-conventional connectors at the oppositefront end of the cassette housing, wherein portions of a substrate ofthe flexible optical circuit are physically inserted into thenon-conventional connectors.

It should be noted that the term “non-conventional connector” may referto a fiber optic connector that is not of a conventional type such as anLC or SC connector and one that has generally not become a recognizablestandard footprint for fiber optic connectivity in the industry.

The elimination of conventional mating connectors inside the cassettemay significantly reduce the overall cost by eliminating the skilledlabor normally associated with terminating an optical fiber to aconnector, including polishing the end face of the fiber and epoxyingthe fiber into the connector. It further allows the fiber opticinterconnect device such as the optical cassette to be made very thin.

As noted above, for the cassette 60 shown in FIGS. 20-45, a signal entrylocation 93 may be provided by an MPO style adapter 94, which in theillustrated embodiment may be positioned at the rear 95 of the cassettehousing 80. A pocket 96 is configured to seat an MPO style connector 97,and the pocket 96 forms a portion of an MPO style adapter 94 that canmate an incoming conventional MPO connector to the MPO style connector97 found within the cassette 60. Fiber pigtails extending out from arear end of the substrate forming the flexible optical circuit areribbonized for termination to an MT ferrule of the MPO style connector.

The adapter block 86 at the front end 88 of the cassette housing isconfigured to mate non-conventional connectors positioned at a rear end71 of the block 86 to conventional connectors (e.g., LC format) comingin from the front of the cassette 60. As shown in the similar cassette160 of FIGS. 55-56, the non-conventional connectors 101 that arepositioned adjacent the front 188 of the cassette 160 each defines a hub102 mounted over the ferrule 103. A split sleeve 104 is also providedfor ferrule alignment between the hub 102 and ferrule 103 of eachnon-conventional connector 101 and a ferrule of another mating connectorthat enters the cassette 160 from the front. Each ferrule 103 isconfigured to terminate one of the fibers 105 extending out from theflexible circuit 192. The fiber pigtails 105 extending out from a frontend 106 of the substrate 107 are individually terminated to the ferrules103 to be positioned at the front of the cassette 160. As shown in theexample of the cassette 160 illustrated in FIGS. 55-56, the substrate107 defines front extensions 108 (one per fiber) each provided in aspaced apart configuration for providing some flexibility to thesubstrate 107. The individual fibers 105 are separated out from theribbonized section at the rear of the substrate 107 and are routedthrough the substrate 107 to the individual front extensions 108. Eachferrule hub 102 receives front portions of the front extensions 108 ofthe substrate 107.

The cassette 160 defines pockets 111 at the rear end 113 of the adapterblock 199 that match the exterior shape of the ferrule hubs 102 (e.g.,having square footprints), wherein the pockets 111 are configured tofully surround the ferrule hubs 102. After the adapter block 199 ismounted to the cassette housing 180, the cassette 160 is ready toreceive fiber optic connections. Mating conventional connectors enteringthe cassette 160 from the front of the cassette 160 may be connectedthrough fiber optic adapters 115 that are defined by the adapter block199.

Further details relating to fiber optic cassettes including flexibleoptical circuits are found in U.S. Application No. 61/707,323 and Ser.No. 13/707,371, filed, Sep. 28, 2012, the entire disclosures of whichare incorporated herein by reference.

Referring now to FIGS. 12-19 and 46-51, the mounting of the cassettes 60and the cable managers 61 to the blades 40 is shown. As shownspecifically in FIGS. 12-19, which illustrate the blades 40 inisolation, each blade 40 defines a cassette mounting location 5 for eachcassette 60 and a cable manager mounting location 7 between eachcassette mounting location 5. In the depicted embodiment, as notedabove, each blade 40 defines five cassette mounting locations 5 and fourcable manager mounting locations 7 that are positioned between thecassette mounting locations 5.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 46, the cable manager mountinglocation 7 is defined by a T-shaped tab 9. When mounting the cablemanager 61, the T-shaped tab 9 is inserted into an insertion pocket 11of the cable manager 61, and, thereafter, the cable manager 61 is slidrearwardly to slide the vertical portion 13 of the T-shaped tab 9 into aslot 15 provided on the cable manager 61. The horizontal portion 17 ofthe T-shaped tab 9 of the blade 40 abuts the cable manager 61 andprevents removal thereof. If the cable manager 61 needs to be removed,the cable manager 61 first has to be slid forwardly. The rear extensions540 of the blades 40 provide support surfaces for the cable managers 61.

In mounting a fiber optic cassette 60 to the blade 40, a pair of tabs 19adjacent the back of the cassette housing 80, a pair of tabs 21 adjacentthe front of the housing 80, and a spring tab 23 defined at the bottomof the base 82 of the housing 80 are used.

As shown in FIG. 46, each cassette mounting location 5 of the blade 40defines a pair of L-shaped catches 25 toward the rear of the blade 40,each defining a notch 27, and a slot 29 adjacent the front of the blade40. A raised front lip 31 is also defined on each blade 40. The frontend 33 of the raised lip 31 defines a front catch 35 used in mountingthe cassettes 60 to the blade 40.

When mounting a fiber optic cassette 60 to the blade 40, the cassette 60is positioned above the blade 40 and slid rearwardly until the back tabs19 of the cassette 60 engage the notches 27 defined by the L-shapedcatches 25 of the blade 40 (see FIG. 51A). As the cassette 60 is slidrearwardly and the back tabs 19 engage the L-shaped catches 25, thefront tabs 21 of the cassette 60 slide under the front raised lip 31 ofthe blade 40. The cassette 60 is slid rearwardly until the spring tab 23snaps into the front slot 29 of the blade 40. Once the spring tab 23snaps into the slot 29, a front face 37 of the spring tab 23 abuts anopposing face 39 on the blade 40 to prevent the cassette 60 from movingforward (see FIGS. 48-49). The rear tabs 19 and catches 25 and the fronttabs 21 and the front catch 35 defined by the raised lip 31 prevent thecassette 60 from moving rearwardly or being lifted upwardly.

As shown in FIG. 46, each cable manager 61 defines a notch 41 on bothsides of the thin middle portion 74 of the cable manager 61. The notches41 accommodate portions of the adapter block 99 that forms a part of thecassette housing 80. In this manner, the cable managers 61 essentiallyallow the fiber optic cassettes 60 to be mounted in a side-by-sideconfiguration, adding only nominal thickness to the overall horizontalstack.

In removing the cassette 60, the spring tab 23 is pushed upwardly fromthe bottom side of the blade 40 until the front face 37 of the springtab 23 clears the opposing face 39. At the same time, the cassette 60 isslid forwardly until the rear and front tabs 19, 21 of the cassetteleave the rear and front catches 25, 35 of the blade 40, respectively.

Now referring to FIGS. 24, 27, 28, 46, 48, and 49, the blades 40 and thecassettes 60 are configured such that portions (e.g., at the bottom) ofthe base 82 of the cassette 60 are configured to receive portions of theblade 40 to decrease the overall thickness of the mounted unit. Thecassette 60 defines a notched area 43 that extends a majority of thelength of the cassette 60, essentially from where the adapter block 99is mounted to the base 82 to the rear area forming the MPO style adapterpocket 96. As such, according to one example embodiment, when a cassette60 is mounted on a blade 40, the blade 40 lies flush with the cassettehousing 80 and the thickness of the blade 40 is accommodated by thenotched area 43. The portions of the cassette 60 that protrude from thebase 82 and extend into the notched area 43 (such as the spring tab 23or the front tabs 21 of the cassette 60) are accommodated by thethickness of the blade 40. For example, the spring tab 23 is positionedwithin the slot 29 on the blade 40 and the front tabs 21 lie underneaththe raised lip 31 of the blade 40. As such, when a cassette 60 ismounted on the blade 40, the blade 40 can lie against the cassette 60without substantially adding to the overall thickness of the cassette60. According to one example embodiment, the entire thickness of theblade 40 is accommodated by the notched area 43. According to anotherexample embodiment, at least a portion of the thickness of the blade 40is accommodated by the notched area 43. According to yet another exampleembodiment, at least a portion of the notched area 43 is used inaccommodating the thickness of the blade 40 such that the blade bodydoes not add to the maximum overall height of the cassette 60.

This configuration allows four cassette-loaded blades 40 to be mountedin a vertical stack in a 1 RU rack space and eight cassette-loadedblades 40 to be mounted in a vertical stack in a 2 RU rack space. Thethin portions 74 of the cable managers 61 also allow five cassettes 60,each holding up to twelve connections, to be mounted on blades 40 alonga horizontal stack within the width defined by a standard 19″telecommunications rack 12. And, with four cassette-loaded blades 40mounted in a vertical stack in a 1 RU rack space, the system 10 of thepresent disclosure achieves significant connectivity densities.

According to one example embodiment, 480 connections each using astandard LC connector footprint are achieved in a standard 19-inchtelecommunications rack 12 within a 2 RU rack space. According toanother example embodiment, 240 connections each using a standard LCconnector footprint are achieved in a standard 19-inchtelecommunications rack 12 within a 1 RU rack space.

FIG. 52 illustrates another embodiment of a telecommunications system210 having features that are examples of inventive aspects of thepresent disclosure. The system 210 illustrated in FIG. 52 is depicted asa 1 RU chassis or panel 214. The system 210 illustrated in FIG. 52 issimilar to the system 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-51 and is shown withcertain additional features that can be incorporated into the system 10of FIGS. 1-51.

For example, the system 210 of FIG. 52 is shown with a fiber breakoutmodule 201 and a flexible cable manager 203 that is configured to guidecables 205 from the breakout module 201 to the rears of the cassettes260 located on the blades 240. The cables 205 that are terminated withconventional MPO connectors 209 mate with the MPO style connectorswithin the cassette 260 through the MPO style adapter 211 found at therear of the cassette 260.

Still referring to FIG. 52, the breakout module 201 defines slidabletrays 215. Each tray 215 defines a plurality of pockets 217 forsupporting transition devices or breakouts 219 and a handle 221 forsliding the tray 215. The transition devices or breakouts 219 each areconfigured for transitioning first cable 223 coming in to the rack orchassis to the second cable 205 terminated with an MPO connector 209that can lead to the rear end of the cassette 260.

In the depicted embodiment, the slide portions of the trays 215 aremounted to mounting slots 225 positioned at the inner right wall 216 ofthe chassis 214 similar to the mounting slots 225 used for the blades240. Each tray 215 is positioned at the same height as its correspondingblade 240. Each tray 215 is independently slidable to enable access tothe transition devices 219. As shown, the trays 215 are mounted in astaggered configuration from the top toward the bottom to facilitateusing the handles 221 in sliding the trays 215 for access.

It should be noted that the breakout module 201 can be mounted to eitherthe right wall 216 or the left wall 218 of the chassis 214 and can beincorporated into a chassis such as the chassis 14 shown in FIGS. 1-51.

Still referring to FIG. 52, as noted above, the chassis 214 is shownwith a flexible cable manager 203, which can also be incorporated into achassis such as the chassis 14 shown in FIGS. 1-51. According to oneexample embodiment, the flexible cable manager 203 is defined by asingle integral piece that has the ability to bend under loading. Whenthe blades 240 are pulled forwardly or pushed rearwardly, the cablemanager 203 is able to flex to accommodate the change in distancewithout violating minimum bend radius requirements for the opticalfibers. The flexible cable manager 203 defines cable fingers 231 forretaining the cables 205 therein.

In the version of the chassis 214 shown in FIG. 52, the cassettes 260are not mounted directly to the blades 240 as in the chassis 14 of FIGS.1-51 but use intermediate mounting structures 233 that are firstsnap-fit on the blades 240. Once the intermediate mounting structures233 are placed on the blades 240, the cassettes 260 are slid rearwardlyto engage the mounting structures 233 and to lock the cassettes 260 inplace. All of the features relating to preserving the overall thicknessof a cassette mounted on a blade discussed above with respect to thesystem 10 of FIGS. 1-51 are also applicable to the system 210 shown inFIG. 52, wherein the cassettes define notched areas for accommodatingthe thickness of the blades on which they are mounted. All of thefeatures relating to preserving the overall width of the horizontallystacked devices discussed above, such as the thinner portions of thecable managers, is also applicable to the system 210 shown in FIG. 52.

FIGS. 53-54 illustrate the flexibility of a system such as the one shownin FIGS. 1-51 or FIG. 52 in being able to provide different types ofconnectivity arrangements. In the example system 310 shown in FIGS.53-54, an MPO adapter block 311 is mounted at one of the mountinglocations on the blade 240 along with four of the fiber optic cassettes260. With this type of an arrangement, a chassis such as the chassis 214shown in FIG. 52 can be converted into a front-access chassis 314.

In a chassis such as the chassis 214 shown in FIG. 52, incoming cables205, terminated by MPO connectors 209, would normally enter the rack andthe chassis through the rear thereof and be connected to the cassettes260 via the MPO style adapter formed at the back of the cassettes 260.In an arrangement such as the system 310 in FIGS. 53-54, the MPO adapterblock 311 provides a connection location wherein MPO connectorterminated cables can extend from the rear 313 of the adapter block 311to the rear of the cassettes 260, and the front 315 of the adapter block311 provides a front access point for the chassis 314 for bringing in anMPO connector terminated cable for the input signal. The LC connectorsof the cassettes 260 would be used in the same way as discussed withrespect to the earlier embodiments. The front-access type of anarrangement, however, decreases the density that might be available ifall of the cassette mounting locations of the blades 240 were populatedwith the cassettes 260.

It should be noted that the MPO adapter block 311 may be located at anyof the mounting locations in the blade 240 instead of being mounted tothe leftmost location as shown in the example embodiment. Furthermore,instead of populating the cassette mounting locations with opticalequipment, any of the mounting locations can be used for other purposessuch as labeling, providing connectivity instructions, etc. Theremovability of the cassettes 260 provides significant flexibility inconfiguring the connectivity system as desired. For example, the blades240 may be populated and the cassettes 260 arranged differentlydepending upon the densities needed and the different types and sizes ofcabling used (e.g., 12 fiber 10-gig cabling, 24 fiber 40-gig cabling, or48 fiber 100-gig cabling).

The removability of the cassettes and the blades of the systems of thepresent disclosure allows different arrangements to be provideddepending upon the connectivity need. Cassettes can be added forincreasing connectivity, removed for decreasing connectivity, orreplaced if needing repair. The connection locations can be varied bothin number and type. For example, the types of optical equipment (e.g.,the types of cassettes) can be varied within each blade or within thedifferent levels within a chassis. Certain mounting locations of theblades can be left unpopulated and used for other purposed such aslabeling, etc.

Now referring to FIGS. 55-65, different types of fiber optic cassettesthat may be used with systems such as the ones shown in FIGS. 1-54 areillustrated. For example, FIGS. 55-56 illustrate a single-layer flexiblecircuit cassette 160 that may be used with a telecommunications chassis14, 214, 314 similar to that shown in FIG. 1 or FIGS. 52-54. Thecassette 160 is shown with dust plugs 1101 at both ends of the cassette160. Tamper-resistant labels 181 may also be used as shown.

FIGS. 57-59 a dual-layer flexible circuit cassette 360 that may be usedwith a telecommunications chassis 14, 214, 314 similar to that shown inFIG. 1 or FIGS. 52-54. In the example of the cassette 360 shown in FIGS.57-59, an upper adapter block 362 and a lower adapter block 364 aremounted at the front 366 of the cassette 360. An upper flexible circuit368 extends from an MPO style connector 370 (e.g., a 24-fiber connector)at the rear 372 of the cassette 360 to the non-conventional connectors374 formed as part of the upper adapter block 362, and a lower flexiblecircuit 376 extends from the MPO style connector 370 at the rear 372 ofthe cassette 360 to the non-conventional connectors 374 formed as partof the lower adapter block 364. As shown, the substrates 378 of theflexible circuits 368, 376 include bends 380 that are in a directionperpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cassette 360 that provideseparation between the two circuits 368, 376, wherein the upper one canextend to the upper adapter block 362 and the lower one can extend tothe lower adapter block 364. The upper and lower adapter blocks 362,364, as well as the upper and lower flexible circuits 368, 376, arecaptured with respect to the base 382 of the cassette 360 with upper andlower covers 384, 386, respectively. It should be noted a cassette suchas the dual-level cassette 360 of FIGS. 57-59 may require more spacingbetween the blade levels when mounting on a chassis.

FIGS. 60-63 illustrate example of a fiber optic cassette 460 that may beused with a telecommunications chassis 14, 214, 314 similar to thatshown in FIG. 1 or FIGS. 52-54. The cassette 460 includes MPO formatconnections 462 at both the rear end 464 and the front end 466 of thecassette 460 with a flexible optical circuit 468 supporting the opticalfibers 470 extending therebetween. The cassette 460, as shown, mayinclude a top cover 472 and a bottom cover 474 for capturing thesubstrate 476 of the flexible optical circuit 468.

FIGS. 64-65 illustrate an MPO style adapter block 550 that may be usedon a fiber optic cassette similar to that shown in FIGS. 60-63. Insteadof integrally molding portions of each of the MPO style adapters withthe front of the cassette (as in FIGS. 60-63), the adapter block 550 ofFIGS. 64-65 combines the adapters 552 into a single removable piece 554.This type of a design may increase flexibility and manufacturingefficiency. It should be noted that an MPO style adapter block such asthe block 550 shown in FIGS. 64-65 can also be mounted on the chassis inisolation as shown in FIGS. 53-54 to reconfigure the chassis indifferent connectivity arrangements.

Now referring to FIGS. 66-75, another embodiment of a telecommunicationschassis 614 having features similar to the telecommunications chassis 14of FIG. 1 and the telecommunications chassis 214 of FIG. 52 isillustrated. Similar to the chassis 14, 214 of FIGS. 1 and 52, thechassis 614 of FIGS. 66-75 is configured to receive blades 640 that areconfigured to hold fiber optic cassettes 660. Similar to the chassis 14,214 of FIGS. 1 and 52, the depicted chassis 614 is configured toslidably receive four blades 640 in a stacked arrangement, with eachblade 640 housing five fiber optic cassettes 660. Also similar to thechassis 14, 214 of FIGS. 1 and 52, the chassis 614 also includes cablerings 630 adjacent the front 626 of the chassis 614 for managing cablesleading to or away from the optical devices housed within the chassis614.

In FIGS. 66 and 70-72, the chassis 614 is shown from a rear perspectiveview to illustrate a cable breakout manager 601 having features that areexamples of inventive aspects in accordance with the present disclosure.The chassis 614 is shown without a cover thereof to illustrate itsinternal features.

The cable breakout manager 601 is configured to house transition devicesor breakouts 219 that transition a first type of cables 223 coming intothe chassis 614 to a second type of cables 205 that are directed to thefiber optic cassettes 660 within the chassis 614. In the depictedembodiment, the second cables 205 may be terminated with conventionalMPO connectors that mate with the MPO style connectors within eachcassette 660 on a blade 640 through an MPO style adapter found at therear of each cassette 660.

It should be noted that although a cable breakout manager 601 is shownon each side of the chassis 614 in FIGS. 66-75, only one manager 601 isnormally used for a given chassis 614. The figures illustrate a breakoutmanager 601 on both the right side 634 and the left side 636 of thechassis 614 to illustrate the various options and not an actualconnectivity set up. Accordingly, the features of the chassis 614 andthe breakout manager 601 will be described herein with reference to asingle unit.

The chassis 614 of FIGS. 66-75 and each cable breakout manager 601 isconfigured such that the cable breakout manager 601 may be mounted inone of at least two orientations. In the depicted embodiment, the twoorientations are 90 degrees apart. For example, the breakout manager 601may be mounted, as shown in FIGS. 66-71, to receive first cables 223coming in from a side 634/636 of the chassis 614. The breakout manager601 may also be mounted, as shown in FIGS. 72-75, to receive firstcables 223 coming in directly from the rear 628 of the chassis 614.Thus, the breakout manager 601 is adaptable to different routingconfigurations around the chassis 614.

Another aspect of the breakout manager 601 relates to its modulararrangement as will be discussed in further detail below. The breakoutmanager 601 is configured to provide access to individual layers ofbreakouts 219 associated with each blade 640 of the chassis 614 byproviding removable modular elements.

Referring now to FIGS. 66-91, each cable breakout manager 601 is formedfrom a manager bracket or housing 603 and a plurality of trays 605 thatare configured for slidable mounting to the bracket 603. The cablebreakout manager 601 is shown in isolation, removed from the chassis614, in FIGS. 76-82. The bracket 603 of the manager 601 is shown inisolation in FIGS. 83-86 and one of the trays 605 is shown in isolationin FIGS. 87-90.

Referring to FIGS. 83-86, in the depicted embodiment, the bracket 603defines a rear wall 607, a bottom wall 609, an open top 611, an openfront 613, and a pair of opposing side walls 615. It should be notedthat although terms such as “rear wall” or “bottom wall” or “open front”have been used to facilitate description of the various aspects of thebreakout manager 601, no orientation is implied by the use of theseterms. As noted above, the breakout manager 601 may be mounted invarious different orientations within the chassis 614, and, dependingupon the orientation, the “rear wall” may in fact be positioned at a“side” of the chassis 614.

Still referring to FIGS. 83-86, each of the opposing sidewalls 615includes slots 617 therein that define individual slide portions 619 forthe bracket 603. As will be noted in further detail, the slide portions619 are configured to slidably receive the individual trays 605 of thebreakout manager 601. In the depicted embodiment, the bracket 603includes four slots 617, each one defined by upper and lower slideportions 619 for receiving the trays 605. The four slots 617 correspondto the four levels of blades 640 provided on the chassis 614.

One of the trays 605 for housing the breakouts 219 is shown in isolationin FIGS. 87-90. Each tray 605 defines a first end 621 and a second end623 and opposing closed sides 625 that extend between the first andsecond ends 621, 623.

Each of the opposing closed sides 625 includes a catch 627 with a rampedtab 629. The catch 627 is configured to latch into one of the latchopenings 631 that are provided on the rear wall 607 of the managerbracket 603 when the tray 605 is slidably loaded thereinto. The catch627 is inserted through the latch opening 631 and the tab 629 catchesagainst the rear wall 607 of the bracket 603. When a tray 605 needs tobe removed, the catch 627 may be lifted to clear the latch opening 631.In certain embodiments, the catch 627 may be elastically flexible andmay be lifted elastically to clear the latch opening 631.

It should be noted that each of the closed sides 625 includes a catch627 such that the trays 605 can be loaded into the manager bracket 603in either orientation depending upon which side of the chassis 614 themanager 601 is mounted on.

At the first and second ends 621, 623, the tray 605 defines upper andlower slide grooves 633. The slide grooves 633 are configured toslidably receive the slide portions 619 defined by the side walls 615 ofthe manager bracket 603 when the trays 605 are being loaded thereinto.

At the first end 621, the tray 605 also defines a first set of retentionfingers 635 with retention tabs 637. At the second end 623, the tray 605defines a second set of retention fingers 639 with retention tabs 641.As shown for the depicted embodiment, the first set of retention fingers635 are spaced apart further than the second set of retention fingers639 and are configured to receive a larger diameter incoming cable 223.The second set of retention fingers 639 are spaced for accommodating asmaller diameter cable 205 that may be directed to the fiber opticcassettes 660 of the chassis 614.

It should be noted that in other embodiments of the trays, the secondset of retention fingers with the retention tabs may be configured toaccommodate a variety of different cable sizes (e.g., both a smallerdiameter cable or a large diameter cable that is directed to the fiberoptic cassettes of the chassis). For example, referring to FIG. 92, aperspective view of another embodiment of a tray 705 that can be used ona cable breakout manager similar to the manager 601 of FIGS. 76-81 isillustrated. The tray 705 includes a second set of retention fingers 739that extend upwardly at a taper, where the retention fingers 739 getcloser to each other as they extend upwardly instead of straightvertically upwardly as provided in the fingers 639. In this manner, theretention fingers 739 can elastically accommodate not only smallercables that fit under retention tabs 741 but also larger cables whichmay be placed further toward the base of the retention fingers 739.

Referring back to the example of FIGS. 87-90, the first and secondretention fingers 635, 639 are configured to elastically flex apart inreceiving the cables 223, 205, respectively, from an open top 643 of thetray 605, with the tabs 637, 641 retaining the cables 223, 205, and,thus the breakouts 219, within the trays 605.

With the use of the retention fingers 635, 639, cables at either end ofthe individual breakouts 219 are fixed and managed without the use ofconventional cable-ties/tie-wraps.

A pocket 645 is formed between each of the first set and second set ofretention fingers 635, 639 within the tray 605 for accommodating thebreakouts 219. In the depicted example, each tray 605 may define fivepockets 645 for receiving five breakouts 219, one for each cassette 660on a blade 640.

Although the first and second retention fingers 635, 639 hold the cables223, 205 in place, each tray 605 can also trap the breakout 219 directlybelow it to retain it in place. In the top tray 605, the top breakout219 can be trapped by the cover of the chassis 614.

As shown in FIGS. 82 and 90, between each pocket 645, the tray 605 mayalso define a tie-loop 647 separating the pockets 645. The tie-loops 647are for receiving cable ties. The tie-loops 647 provide an alternativeor additional solution to fixing the cables 223, 205 with respect to thetrays 605.

As also shown in FIGS. 82, 87, and 90, a pair of spacers 649 ispositioned at each of the opposing sides 625 of the tray 605. Thespacers 649 are configured to space the breakouts 219 from the closedsides 625. The spacers 649 cooperatively define a tie-pocket 651 foraccommodating a cable tie that may be used in fixing cables 223, 205using the tie-loops 647 within the tray 605.

As noted above, each cable breakout manager 601 may be mounted to thechassis 614 in one of at least two orientations. In the depictedembodiment, the two orientations are 90 degrees apart. The breakoutmanager 601 may be mounted, as shown in FIGS. 66-71, to receive firstcables 223 incoming from a side of the chassis 614. The breakout manager601 may also be mounted, as shown in FIGS. 72-75, to receive firstcables 223 incoming directly from a rear 628 of the chassis.

When the cable manager 601 is mounted in a “side-entry” orientation asshown in FIGS. 66-71, the trays 605 may be slidably loaded or removedalong a front to back direction. When the cable manager 601 is mountedin a “rear-entry” orientation as shown in FIGS. 72-75, the trays 605 maybe slidably loaded or removed along a right to left direction.

With the manager 601 of the present disclosure, each tray 605 thatcorresponds to a desired blade 640 may be individually removed and eachbreakout 219 that corresponds to a desired cassette 660 may beindividually removed for servicing.

For mounting the cable breakout managers 601 in the differentorientations, the bracket or housing 603 of each manager 601 definesfastener mounts 653 at the bottom wall 609. Fasteners 655 are insertedthrough the fastener mounts 653 in mounting the manager 601 to a rearportion 657 of the chassis 614.

As shown in FIG. 91, the rear portion 657 of the chassis 614 isconfigured with two sets of mounting openings 659, one for each of thetwo 90-degree orientations. Depending upon the desired orientation, thebreakout manager 601 is turned accordingly and one of the two sets ofmounting openings 659 is used in combination with the fastener mounts653 at the bottom wall 609 of the manager housing 603 in mounting themanager 601 to the chassis 614.

It should be noted that although the depicted cable breakout manager 601has been shown and described to be mountable in at least two differentorientations 90 degrees apart, wherein the orientations correspond to“side entry” and “rear entry” of the cables, in other embodiments, thecable breakout manager 601 can be mounted at any desired angle withrespect to the chassis 614.

Thus, the breakout manager 601 of the present disclosure is configuredfor servicing high density environments such as the described chassis614 of the present disclosure. The breakout manager 601 allows rear orside entry of cables and allows access to individual layers ofbreakouts. The breakout manager 601 also provides solutions that are analternative or in addition to conventional cable ties used for retainingcables.

It should be noted that although the breakout manager 601 has beendescribed with respect to housing fiber optic transition devices orbreakouts 219, in other embodiments, the breakout manager may be used tomanage electrical/copper or hybrid cables and corresponding transitiondevices.

Referring now to FIGS. 93-94, a couple of different embodiments ofslidable blades 840, 940 that may be mounted on a telecommunicationschassis such as the chassis 14 of FIG. 1, the chassis 214 of FIG. 52, orthe chassis 614 of FIG. 66 are shown. The blades 840, 940 of FIGS. 93and 94 share certain features that will be discussed below in detail.Regarding the differences between the blades 840, 940, the blade 840shown in FIG. 93 includes LC style adapter blocks 850 with the adapters854 mounted in a staggered configuration, whereas the blades 940 shownin FIG. 94 include fiber optic cassettes 160 with LC type adapteropenings instead of the staggered LC type fiber optic adapters 854 ofthe blade 840 of FIG. 93. Fiber optic adapter blocks including staggeredadapter configurations such as the blocks 850 are described andillustrated in further detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/658,111, filed Jan. 9, 2013, which application is incorporated hereinby reference in its entirety.

The blade 840 illustrated in FIG. 93 also includes a pair of overlengthcable managers 851 toward the rear of the blade 840 as well as a pair offanout brackets 853 configured to hold fanouts 855. Similar types ofcable management structures or fiber optic equipment may be included inthe blade 940 of FIG. 94. However, the blade 940 shown in FIG. 94 mayutilize a cable breakout manager similar to the breakout manager 601 ofFIGS. 76-81 located on the chassis.

Regarding features that are shared by the blades 840, 940 of FIG. 93 andFIG. 94, both of these blades 840, 940 are shown to use cable managers861 located between each fiber optic cassette 160 or each staggeredadapter block 850 that have alignment tabs 863 at the wider portions 868at the front ends 870 of the cable managers 861. The alignment tabs 863are provided at the flexible portions 865 of the cable managers 861 thatdefine the wider portions 868 at the front ends 870. The alignment tabs863 of each cable manager 861 are configured to abut the cable managers861 thereabove and keep the cable managers 861 vertically aligned fromtop to bottom at the front of the chassis. One of the cable managers 861with the alignment tabs 863 are shown in isolation in FIG. 95. As shownin FIG. 95, each alignment tab 863 defines a ramped profile 867 towardthe rear 869 of the tab 863. The ramped profile 867 is provided so thata blade with these types of cable managers 861 can be pulled rearwardlywithin a chassis, wherein the ramped portion 867 of the tab 863 can abuta blade 840/940 thereabove and cause the flexible portion 865 of thecable manager 861 to flex downwardly to clear the blade 840/940thereabove. These types of cable managers 861 may be implemented on allof the different embodiments of blades discussed previously.

Another feature shared between the blades 840, 940 of FIGS. 93 and 94,and that can be used on all of the different blades discussedpreviously, relates to the cable managers 881 that are configured to beused at the outer edges of the slidable blades 840, 940 shown in FIGS.93-94.

FIG. 96 is a right side perspective view of a cable manager 881 that isconfigured to be used at the outer edges of the slidable blades 840, 940shown in FIGS. 93-94 and FIG. 97 is a left perspective view of the cablemanager 881.

The cable managers 881 used at the outer edges of the slidable blades840, 940 are configured differently than the cable managers 861 that arepositioned between the cassettes 160 or the adapter blocks 850. Thecable managers 881, unlike the split-ring configurations defined by thecenter cable managers 861, define an open and a longer cable supportingplatform 883 at the front ends 885 of the cable managers 881.

The cable supporting portions 883 of the cable managers 881 are alsoconfigured to be used for latching and unlatching the blades 840/940 forslidable movement. The cable supporting portions 883 at the fronts 885of the cable managers 881 extend further than the center cable managers861 and are configured to be grabbed by a user and flexed along a rightto left direction. Flexing the cable managers 881 toward the center ofthe chassis clears tabs 887 that are configured to latch the blades840/940 to the chassis at a fixed position. The cable managers 881 alsodefine a similar flexible portion 889 at the rear ends 891 thereof thatcan be flexed toward the center of the chassis for clearing tabs 893that are used for slidably latching the blades 840/940 at fixedpositions to the right and left walls of a chassis.

Referring now to FIGS. 98-99, a cable manager 900 configured for use ontelecommunications chassis similar to chassis 14, 214, 314, and 614 ofthe present application is illustrated. In FIGS. 98-99, the cablemanager 900 is shown as mounted on a chassis 914. As seen in FIGS.98-99, a portion of the cable manager 900 is used for mounting a doorhinge mechanism 910 that is used for pivotally attaching a door 902 tothe chassis 914. The door hinge mechanism 910 is similar to a hingemechanism shown and described in further detail in U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 62/027,657, filed on Jul. 22, 2014, the entiredisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. For furtherdetails regarding the configuration of the chassis 914 and the doorhinge mechanism 910 used thereon, including the operation thereof,reference may be made to the '657 application incorporated herein.

Referring now specifically to the cable manager 900 shown in FIGS.98-99, the cable manager 900 includes a fixed portion 901 that is fixedto the chassis 914 and a slidable portion 903 that is configured tolinearly slide with respect to the fixed portion 901. With the slidableportion 903, the cable manager 900 is configured to be moved from aclosed configuration to an open configuration. In the closedconfiguration, the cable manager 900 forms a complete ring forkeeping/retaining the cables that are being directed into and out fromthe chassis 914. In the open configuration, the cable manager 900defines a split ring wherein the cables can be accessed and removed fromthe cable manager 900.

The slidable portion 903 defines a slide 911 that is configured tolinearly slide within a track 913 defined on the fixed portion 901. Theslide 911 and the track 913 define intermating positive stops forlimiting the forward movement of the slidable portion 903 with respectto the fixed portion 901.

The slidable portion 903 defines a tab 905 that is configured to latchwith a catch 907 defined on the fixed portion 901 for forming a completering for keeping/retaining the cables. The tab 905 is elasticallyremoved from the catch 907 when the slidable portion 903 needs to beunlatched from the fixed portion 901 and slid forwardly.

As noted above, the open configuration of the cable manager 900facilitates removal of the cables from the cable manager 900. When theslidable portion 903 has been moved forwardly with respect to the fixedportion 901, the forward position of the slidable portion 903 alsoprovides extra room for the cables to limit snagging of the cables whena blade (e.g., blade 40, 240, 640, 840, 940) of the chassis 914 is beingpulled forwardly.

It should be noted that although the cable manager 900 of the presentdisclosure may be used on and has been described with respect to achassis or panel 914 similar in configuration to other chassis (14, 214,314, and 614) shown in the present application, the cable manager 900may be utilized on any telecommunications chassis that may requiremanaging of the cables directed into and out of that chassis. Thechassis 914 shown herein and also other chassis of the presentapplication are simply examples of the types of telecommunicationsequipment that may utilize the cable manager 900 of the presentdisclosure.

According to certain embodiments, the cable manager 900 may be formedfrom polymeric materials.

Although in the foregoing description, terms such as “top,” “bottom,”“front,” “back,” “right,” “left,” “upper,” and “lower” were used forease of description and illustration, no restriction is intended by suchuse of the terms. The telecommunications devices described herein can beused in any orientation, depending upon the desired application.

Having described the preferred aspects and embodiments of the presentdisclosure, modifications and equivalents of the disclosed concepts mayreadily occur to one skilled in the art. However, it is intended thatsuch modifications and equivalents be included within the scope of theclaims which are appended hereto.

1. A fiber optic telecommunications system comprising: atelecommunications chassis defining a front and a rear; a plurality ofblades slidably mounted to the chassis, the blades slidable in adirection extending from the front to the rear; and a plurality of fiberoptic cassettes removably mounted to each blade, each fiber opticcassette including a housing defining a maximum cassette height, thehousing formed by a base and a cover mounted thereon, each cassettedefining fiber optic connection locations; wherein the base of eachcassette defines a notched area for receiving a portion of the blade onwhich the cassette is mounted such that the blade does not increase theoverall maximum height defined by the housing.
 2. A fiber optictelecommunications system according to claim 1, wherein each bladeincludes at least one cable manager removably mounted between twocassettes.
 3. A fiber optic telecommunications system according to claim2, wherein the cable manager defines a profile that tapers from widercable management end portions to a thinner middle portion.
 4. A fiberoptic telecommunications system according to claim 3, wherein each ofthe cable managers defines alignment tabs that are configured to abutportions of the cable manager thereabove to keep the cable managersvertically aligned.
 5. A fiber optic telecommunications system accordingto claim 1, wherein each cassette includes a housing defining a frontside and an opposite rear side; a cable entry location defined on thehousing for a cable to enter the cassette, wherein a plurality ofoptical fibers from the cable extend into the cassette and formterminations at non-conventional connectors adjacent the front side ofthe housing; and a flexible substrate positioned between the cable entrylocation and the non-conventional connectors adjacent the front of thehousing, the flexible substrate rigidly supporting the plurality ofoptical fibers; wherein each of the non-conventional connectors adjacentthe front side of the housing includes a ferrule, a ferrule hubsupporting the ferrule, and a split sleeve surrounding the ferrule.
 6. Afiber optic telecommunications system according to claim 5, wherein thecassette includes twelve non-conventional connectors adjacent the frontside of the housing.
 7. A fiber optic telecommunications systemaccording to claim 6, wherein the cassette defines a plurality ofadapters adjacent the front side of the housing for receiving incomingfiber optic connectors that mate with the non-conventional connectorsthat are adjacent the front side of the housing.
 8. A fiber optictelecommunications system according to claim 7, wherein the adapters areconfigured to receive incoming fiber optic connectors that are of the LCformat.
 9. A fiber optic telecommunications system according to claim 5,wherein the cable entry location is defined by a multi-fiber connector.10. A fiber optic telecommunications system according to claim 5,wherein at least a portion of the flexible substrate is physicallyinserted into at least a portion of each ferrule hub.
 11. A fiber optictelecommunications system according to claim 5, wherein the cassetteincludes at least two flexible substrates in a vertically stackedarrangement, each flexible substrate rigidly supporting a plurality ofoptical fibers.
 12. A fiber optic telecommunications system according toclaim 9, wherein the non-conventional connectors adjacent the front ofthe housing are also multi-fiber connectors.
 13. A fiber optictelecommunications system according to claim 1, further comprising aflexible cable manager that extends from the rear of the chassis to thefiber optic cassettes for managing optical cables leading to thecassettes, the flexible cable manager configured such that when theblades are slid forwardly or rearwardly, minimum bend radiusrequirements are met for the optical cables.
 14. A fiber optictelecommunications system according to claim 1, wherein the chassisincludes a cable breakout manager defining a plurality of independentlyslidable trays, each tray configured to support a transition device fortransitioning a first cable coming into the chassis to a second cableterminated with an MPO connector leading to the cassettes.
 15. A fiberoptic telecommunications system according to claim 14, wherein the cablebreakout manager is configured to be mounted to the chassis in one of atleast two different orientations, wherein the at least two differentorientations are 90 degrees apart, wherein the cable breakout manager isconfigured to receive the first cable from the rear of the chassis whenmounted in a first orientation and is configured to receive the firstcable from a side of the chassis when mounted in a second orientation.16. A fiber optic telecommunications system according to claim 14,wherein the slidable trays are mounted to a bracket of the cablebreakout manager with a snap-fit interlock.
 17. A fiber optictelecommunications system according to claim 14, wherein the cablebreakout manager includes opposing flexible retention fingers for fixingthe first and second cables to the cable breakout manager.
 18. A fiberoptic telecommunications system according to claim 17, wherein at leastsome of the opposing flexible retention fingers are provided at an angleso as to taper toward each other as they extend upwardly foraccommodating cables of various diameters.
 19. A fiber optictelecommunications system comprising: a telecommunications rack defininga standard 19-inch width; a telecommunications chassis mounted to thetelecommunications rack, the telecommunications chassis defining aheight of at least one standard unit of rack space (1 RU); and aplurality of fiber optic cassettes slidably mounted to the chassis, eachcassette including a housing defining a front side and a rear side, aplurality of fiber optic connection locations defined by adapter portshaving a standard LC connector format positioned on the front side ofthe housing and a cable entry location defined on the housing for acable to enter the cassette for providing an optical signal leading tothe adapter ports at the front side of the housing; wherein, when thefiber optic cassettes are mounted within the 19-inch rack via thechassis, the fiber optic cassettes provide 240 adapter ports having astandard LC connector format within a 1 RU of rack space within the19-inch rack.
 20. A fiber optic telecommunications system according toclaim 19, wherein the chassis defines a height of at least two standardunits of rack space (2 RU) and when the fiber optic cassettes aremounted within the 19-inch rack via the chassis, the fiber opticcassettes provide 480 adapter ports having a standard LC connectorformat within a 2 RU of rack space within the 19-inch rack.
 21. A fiberoptic telecommunications system according to claim 19, wherein thecassettes are mounted on blades that slide with respect to the chassisfor access to both the cable entry location of each cassette and theadapter ports.
 22. A fiber optic telecommunications system according toclaim 21, wherein each blade includes at least one cable managerremovably mounted between two cassettes.
 23. A fiber optictelecommunications system according to claim 21, wherein the blades aremounted to the chassis so as to have discrete stops at predeterminedpositions along the chassis.
 24. A fiber optic telecommunications systemaccording to claim 19, wherein each of the cassettes is removablymounted to the chassis.
 25. A fiber optic telecommunications systemaccording to claim 19, wherein each cassette provides 12 adapter portshaving a standard LC connector format at the front side of the housingand the cable entry location is defined by a multi-fiber connectorpositioned at the rear side of the housing.
 26. A fiber optictelecommunications system according to claim 24, wherein the cassettesare mounted within the chassis in four rows, each having fivehorizontally stacked cassettes.
 27. A fiber optic telecommunicationssystem comprising: a telecommunications chassis defining a front and arear; a plurality of blades slidably mounted to the chassis, the bladesstacked vertically and slidable in a direction extending from the frontto the rear; and at least one fiber optic cassette removably mounted toeach blade, wherein a portion of a first fiber optic cassette mounted ona first blade abuts a portion of a second fiber optic cassette mountedon a second blade positioned directly above the first blade.
 28. A fiberoptic telecommunications system according to claim 27, wherein each ofthe first and second cassettes includes a housing defining a front sideand a rear side, a plurality of fiber optic connection locations definedby adapter ports positioned on the front side of the housing and a cableentry location defined on the housing for a cable to enter the cassettefor providing an optical signal leading to the adapter ports at thefront side of the housing, wherein the portions of the first and secondcassettes that abut each other are adjacent the adapter ports.
 29. Afiber optic cassette comprising: a housing defining a front side, anopposite rear side, a top, a bottom, and a maximum cassette heightdefined between the top and the bottom; a cable entry location definedon the housing for a cable to enter the cassette, wherein a plurality ofoptical fibers from the cable extend into the cassette and formterminations at non-conventional connectors adjacent the front side ofthe housing; a flexible substrate positioned between the cable entrylocation and the non-conventional connectors adjacent the front of thehousing, the flexible substrate rigidly supporting the plurality ofoptical fibers; a notched area defined by the bottom for receiving aportion of a telecommunications fixture when the cassette is mounted tothe fixture; and a flexible tab protruding from the cassette, theflexible tab configured to removably mount the cassette to thetelecommunications fixture with a snap-fit interlock, the flexible tabpositioned within the notched area so as to lie within the maximumcassette height defined between the top and the bottom of the cassette.30. A fiber optic cassette according to claim 29, wherein each of thenon-conventional connectors adjacent the front side of the housingincludes a ferrule, a ferrule hub supporting the ferrule, and a splitsleeve surrounding the ferrule.
 31. A fiber optic cassette according toclaim 29, wherein the cassette is configured to be slidably mounted tothe telecommunications fixture.
 32. A fiber optic cassette according toclaim 29, wherein the cassette includes twelve non-conventionalconnectors adjacent the front side of the housing.
 33. A fiber opticcassette according to claim 29, wherein the cassette defines a pluralityof adapters adjacent the front side of the housing for receivingincoming fiber optic connectors that mate with the non-conventionalconnectors that are adjacent the front side of the housing.
 34. A fiberoptic cassette according to claim 33, wherein the adapters areconfigured to receive incoming fiber optic connectors that are of the LCformat.
 35. A fiber optic cassette according to claim 29, wherein thecable entry location is defined by a multi-fiber connector.
 36. Atelecommunications blade for mounting optical equipment to atelecommunications chassis, the telecommunications blade comprising: agenerally thin-profile, planar body defining front end, a rear end, aright side, and a left side; slide portions defined at each of the rightand left sides for slidably mounting the blade to the telecommunicationschassis; and a plurality of first mounting locations for mountingoptical equipment to the blade and a plurality of second mountinglocations positioned between the first mounting locations for mountingcable management structures to the blade; wherein the blade isconfigured such that when receiving optical equipment for mounting, thegenerally thin-profile body is configured to fit within a portion of theoptical equipment such that the blade body does not add to the maximumoverall height of the optical equipment.
 37. A telecommunications bladeaccording to claim 36, wherein the first and second mounting locationsare defined by outwardly extending tabs.
 38. A fiber optictelecommunications system comprising: a telecommunications chassisdefining a right side and a left side and a plurality of mounting slotsat each of the right and left sides; at least one telecommunicationsblade slidably mounted to the chassis, the telecommunications bladeconfigured for mounting optical equipment to the chassis, thetelecommunications blade further comprising: a generally thin-profile,planar body defining front end, a rear end, a right side, and a leftside; slide portions defined at each of the right and left sides forinsertion into mounting slots of the chassis for mounting the blade tothe chassis; and a plurality of first mounting locations for mountingoptical equipment to the blade and a plurality of second mountinglocations positioned between the first mounting locations for mountingcable management structures to the blade; wherein the blade isconfigured such that when receiving optical equipment for mounting, thegenerally thin-profile body is configured to fit within a portion of theoptical equipment such that the blade body does not add to the maximumoverall height of the optical equipment.
 39. A fiber optictelecommunications system according to claim 38, wherein the chassis isconfigured to fit within a standard 19-inch telecommunications rack. 40.A fiber optic telecommunications system according to claim 39, whereinthe chassis is configured to receive at least four telecommunicationsblades within one standard unit of rack space (1 RU).
 41. A fiber optictelecommunications system according to claim 38, wherein the chassisincludes a cable breakout manager defining a plurality of independentlyslidable trays, each tray configured to support a transition device fortransitioning a first cable coming into the chassis to a second cableleading to the optical equipment.
 42. A fiber optic telecommunicationssystem according to claim 41, wherein the cable breakout manager isconfigured to be mounted to the chassis in one of at least two differentorientations, wherein the at least two different orientations are 90degrees apart, wherein the cable breakout manager is configured toreceive the first cable from the rear of the chassis when mounted in afirst orientation and is configured to receive the first cable from aside of the chassis when mounted in a second orientation.
 43. A fiberoptic telecommunications system according to claim 41, wherein theslidable trays are mounted to a bracket of the cable breakout managerwith a snap-fit interlock.
 44. A fiber optic telecommunications systemaccording to claim 41, wherein the cable breakout manager includesopposing flexible retention fingers for fixing the first and secondcables to the cable breakout manager.
 45. A fiber optictelecommunications system according to claim 38, further comprising acable manager configured for managing cables directed into and out ofthe telecommunications chassis, the cable manager including a fixedportion that is fixedly mounted to the chassis and a slidable portionthat is configured to linearly slide with respect to the fixed portion,wherein when the slidable portion is latched with respect to the fixedportion, the cable manager forms a complete ring for retaining thecables and when the slidable portion has been unlatched from the fixedportion and linearly moved with respect thereto, the cable manager formsa split-ring for allowing removal of the cables.
 46. A fiber optictelecommunications system according to claim 45, wherein the slidableportion is latched to the fixed portion via a snap-fit interlock formedby elastically flexible structures.
 47. A cable manager for mounting toa telecommunications fixture, the cable manager comprising: a bracket; aplurality of independently slidable trays removably mounted to thebracket, the trays configured to be fixed with respect to the bracketwith snap-fit interlocking latches; and opposing elastically flexiblecable retention fingers within each tray for retaining cablestherewithin.
 48. A cable manager according to claim 47, wherein eachtray is configured to house a fiber optic cable transition deviceconfigured for transitioning a first cable coming into the cable managerto a second cable leading to optical equipment on the telecommunicationsfixture.
 49. A cable manager according to claim 47, wherein the cablemanager is mounted to the telecommunications fixture in one of at leasttwo different orientations.
 50. A cable manager according to claim 49,wherein the at least two different orientations are 90 degrees apart.51. A cable manager according to claim 50, wherein the cable manager ismountable to the telecommunications fixture such that the cable breakoutmanager receives a first cable from a rear of the telecommunicationsfixture when mounted in a first orientation and receives the first cablefrom a side of the telecommunications chassis when mounted in a secondorientation.
 52. A cable manager according to claim 47, wherein thebracket further includes a plurality of slide portions definingopen-ended slots thereinbetween, the slide portions configured toslidably receive the trays.
 53. A cable manager according to claim 52,wherein each tray includes a slide groove for receiving a slide portionof the bracket when sliding the tray onto the bracket.
 54. A cablemanager according to claim 47, wherein each tray further includes cabletie loops for receiving cable ties for retaining cables therewithin inaddition to the opposing elastically flexible cable retention fingers.